Spinning off seeker's thread ...

Personally, love and trust means a lot more than a mere piece of paper.

I'm not sure if this is my generation's way of thinking, or whether it's religion or something else that determines your view on this.

Firstly, I have a great family role model in terms of relationships - my parents were married over 25 years before my mum passed away.

However, while I think marriage is lovely and I'm sure I will get there one day, I could *not* imagine not living with a partner first ... 'try before you buy' ...

And at the end of the day, what IS a marriage certificate? What does it give you that the intimacy, love, trust, and understanding you already have with your partner, doesn't?

I can't see it. Marriage in many ways is a farcical outdated institution to me ...

How many people marry for the wrong reasons? Even to get greater student allowances, to get someone immigration rights, to get MONEY for getting someone those immigration rights?

And how many people are happily together without having 'formalised' it ... they may one day, but their relationship is strong and secure WITH OR WITHOUT A PIECE OF PAPER.

Any thoughts?